Jackett Eyes Another Promotion

Kenny Jackett made no secret of Wolves' Premier League ambitions in his pre-Norwich City press conference on Friday afternoon.

We have to now try and build on last year, it was a very good year and we’re looking for that to not fall away."

Kenny Jackett

Kenny Jackett intends to use last season's title-winning success as a kick-start for a second consecutive promotion push, but the gaffer knows a return to the Premier League will not be easy.

He said: “The target is to get promoted again, we’re a club that has a very recent Premier League history. There’s three places available and we’ve got to go all out to try and get one of them.

“Wolves has fantastic potential, a terrific fan-base and I think can aspire to be a Premier League side. What we want to do is build on last year and try and make it a successful era rather than just a successful season.

“I do realise that competition is stiff but I don’t think you should shy away from your aims and objectives. The reason we’re here and the reason we’re competing this year is to get into the Premier League.”

The Wolves boss explained that pre-season isn't an accurate representation of how teams will perform in the season and he is eager to make an early assessment of his squad.

“I’m certainly optimistic and looking forward to the season. I’m looking forward to a period of assessment of our own group.

“It changes from pre-season where you don’t really know. We haven’t lost a game in pre-season but you don’t really know, until you start to play at your own level, exactly where your players are.”

“In this league you’ve got to be consistent and you’ve got to be there for the whole year. If we can do well in August and September then I think the belief right the way through the club will help us get to May.”

The 2014/15 season will be an exciting opportunity for a young Wolves squad to make a name for themselves in the Championship and Jackett believes a youthful team carries a distinct advantage over the competition.

“There are not that many players that are tried, tested and proven," commented the manager before adding: "I see that as an advantage because they have a hunger and a desire about them.

“The standards are higher as you’d expect. You have to be good enough to step up as well. The young players have an opportunity to make a name for themselves in this division.”

As the opening fixture draws closer, Jackett acknowledged the role Wolves fans will play in encouraging their side against a tough Norwich outfit.

He said: “The relationship between the crowd and the players on Sunday is going to be vital towards us getting the good start that we want.

“We want to put on a performance that, one, does ourselves justice and, two, that wins the game. We’re going to have to be at our very best to win it and that’s our aim.

"We will respect Norwich but we will really concentrate on ourselves.”